greed

noun

ˈgrēd 

: a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed

motivated by naked ambition and greed

Synonyms

• acquisitiveness
• avarice
• avariciousness
• avidity
• avidness
• covetousness
• cupidity
• graspingness
• greediness
• mercenariness
• rapaciousness
• rapacity

Examples of greed in a Sentence

He was a ruthless businessman, motivated by naked ambition and greed.

don't let greed for riches control you

Recent Examples on the Web

However, authorities said the two brothers’ motive was greed, citing the lavish spending spree — which involved expensive watches, cars, and tennis lessons — the two brothers went on after the slayings. —Christine Pelisek, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024

Some partnerships that seemed strong quickly fell apart when partners chose greed over purpose. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 5 Nov. 2024

And my years of experience have taught me that those scams gain effectiveness by keying on investor emotion — whether that emotion is greed or fear. —Moneyshow, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

My heart goes out to all of the people whose lives have been changed and lost because of government and corporate greed. —Sarah Douglas, ARTnews.com, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from greedy

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

greed

noun

ˈgrēd 

: selfish desire for food, money, or possessions over and above one's needs